BLANK STARES

JESUS THE SAVIOR

Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines

Lesson 8

BLANK STARES

Aim: That the learners will allow Christ to correct their spiritual blindness.

Scripture: John 9:1-41

Memory Verse: John 8:12 – I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of live. (NIV)

In Advance

1. Pray

2. Memorize John 8:12

3. Study John 9:1-41

Background of the Scripture passage used:

The story is about the healing of a man born blind. Jesus performed more miracles of this kind than of any other. Giving sight to the blind was predicted as a Messianic activity (Isaiah 29: 18; 35; 42:7). Thus these miracles were additional evidence that Jesus was the Messiah.

The religious leaders who were following Jesus wherever He went became more and more hostile towards Him. Yet Jesus went on in His public ministry. On His way, possibly at the vicinity of the temple which beggars frequented, His attention was caught by a blind beggar.

The controversy between Jesus and the religious leaders went on. Jesus took occasion to prove who He really was for the sake of those who were believing and to confront the unbelievers.

During those days there was a current belief that saliva was curative, especially for diseased eyes. Jesus clearly used currently understood means. However there is no need to assume that He reinforced superstitious beliefs. Actually, healing took place only when the man washed in the pool of Siloam (v.7). In other words, he was healed because of His obedience. We might say that the man’s faith in Jesus was put to test.

4. Prepare

a) Two clean large handkerchiefs to be used for the game at the ENTRANCE portion.

b) Copies of My Spiritual Vision Chart for distribution during the SIGNIFICANCE portion. There should be one for each learner.

JESUS THE SAVIOR

Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines

Lesson 7

OPEN ARMS

Aim: That the learners will trust Jesus to accept them, whoever they are.

Scripture: John 8:3-11

Memory Verse: John 6:37b – Whoever comes to me I will never drive away. (NIV)

In Advance

1. Pray

2. Memorize John 6:37b

3. Study John 8:3-11

Background of the Scripture passage used:

The daily ministry of Jesus included being with all kinds of people. On occasions where He talked with people the Scribes and Pharisees questioned Him about issues related to the Mosaic Law. Most of the time they just wanted to find fault by using questions as a trap in order to have a basis to accuse Him. Once such incident happened when Jesus was at the temple courts. Scribes and Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery.

CLASS SESSION

ENTRANCE

Ask learners to give their usual reactions to the presence of a crazy person in the community. Ask further the different attitudes of people toward a crazy man. (Possible reactions: They make fun of them; they ridicule; they are hostile; they pity, etc.)

JESUS THE SAVIOR

Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines

Lesson 6

BETTER THAN FAST FOODS

Aim: That the learners will trust Jesus to provide for their every need.

Scripture: John 6:1-15

Memory Verse: Philippians 4:19 – And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

In Advance

1. Pray

2. Memorize Philippians 4:19

3. Prepare: Write questions for small group discussions on sheets of paper.

4. Study John 6:1-15

Background of the Scripture passage used:

According to Bible scholars this is the only miracle performed by Jesus Christ that is recorded in all four Gospels. For this reason the writer only highlighted important features. John records that Jesus Himself took the initiative in looking for the need of food whereas in the other Gospel accounts, the writers record that the disciples took initiative.

CLASS SESSION

ENTRANCE

Excite the class by saying, “There is a modern way of satisfying one’s hunger in five minutes with hot steaming food. This is called “fast food” which is usually prepared through modern technology (e.g. Microwave, a super fast cooking oven), and other advanced kitchen appliances.

In Metro Manila and other cities, fast food houses are frequented by many people. Hot food, sweet-sour delicacies, frozen delights, sizzling food, are available in a matter of minutes. Once these foods are eaten with a glass of cold soft drink, one gets a feeling of satisfaction.”

JESUS THE SAVIOR

Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines

Lesson 5

THE PERSONAL ENCOUNTER

Aim: That each learner will share Christ with someone, following biblical principles.

Scripture: John 4:1-42

Memory Verse: John 4:35 – Open you eyes and look to the fields! They are ripe for harvest. (NIV)

In Advance

1. Pray

2. Memorize Mark 16:15

3. Prepare copies of a simple evangelistic tool (There’s Only One Way or any other simple tool). There should be enough for each learner.

4. Study John 4:7-42

Introduction to the passage:

The shortest route from Judea to Galilee was through Samaria. The Jews, however, normally did not take this route. Instead, they took the longer route east, crossing the Jordan and passing through Perea. They avoided the Samaritans whom they despised as “half-breed” because of their mixed ancestry. The Samaritans claimed, though, that they were also descendants of Jacob. Their claim was based on the presence of the historical Jacob’s well in their land.

JESUS THE SAVIOR

Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines

Lesson 4

HEAVEN’S ENTRANCE REQUIREMENT

Aim: That each learner will receive Christ into his life.

Scripture: John 3:1-21

Memory Verse: John 3:3 – No one can see the Kingdom of God unless He is born again. (NIV)

In Advance

1. Pray

2. Memorize John 3:3

3. Study John 3:1-21

Background of the Scripture passage used:

Nicodemus was a Greek name which meant conqueror of the people. He was a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin. He seemed to have been an earnest man strongly attracted to the character and teachings of Christ. Perhaps the possibility of being rejected by his fellow Pharisees hindered him from openly pursuing his interest in Christ.

Later, Nicodemus showed more courage in protesting against the condemnation of Christ (John 7:47-52). Ironically, in the said passage Nicodemus spoke up after the Pharisees implied that no leader believed in Jesus.

The final reference to Nicodemus is in John 19:39,40 where he is recorded to have brought an extravagant amount of spices to anoint the body of the Lord.

CLASS SESSION

ENTRANCE

ASK:

1. What schools or jobs have entrance requirements?

Answer: Colleges and universities, teaching, laws, medicine, military training, etc.

2. What are the usual entrance requirements?

Answer: Exams, eligibilities, height, etc.